College for kids — What higher education can do to improve the educational opportunities for the exceptionally able — A review of the approaches in the United Kingdom and the United States

Abstract

This article reviews the provision made for gifted children during their primary or elementary schooling in both the USA and the UK. It argues that all children have an entitlement to an education appropriate to their needs, and, that, in this respect, the able child has often been neglected. Colleges of Higher Education are well-placed to provide an in-put on this to:- (a) children via Saturday clubs and Summer schools; (b) teachers by offering courses aimed at improving their ability to differentiate the curriculum appropriately and (c) parents in how to cope with the cognitive, social and emotional needs of their able child. Education Departments in both countries have become aware of the importance of capturing the interest and nurturing the ability of gifted children; realising that without this, they could ultimately be “lost to their nations”.